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Piglet, 2 rabbits dead in Sac's Western Store fire

7 years 1 month 1 week ago Monday, February 13 2017 Feb 13, 2017 February 13, 2017 5:51 PM February 13, 2017 in News
Source: WBRZ

GONZALES - Some animals at a popular Gonzales store did not survive after a fire broke out Sunday evening.
The Gonzales Fire Department responded to a fire at Sac's Western & Feed Store on Burnside Avenue just before 6:20 p.m.

Investigators determined the cause of the fire to be a heat lamp used to keep a piglet warm in the animal sales area. The piglet and two rabbits did not survive the fire. Store employees were able to locate an iguana alive.

Over 20 firefighters were called to the scene after a passing motorist alerted crews to the blaze. It took them approximately 50 minutes to extinguish the flames.

"When we got there there was flames coming out of the front building, and the front windows were broken, and flames were coming out of there," Chief of the Gonzales Fire Department, Tracey Normand, said.

Fire damage was limited to the section of the building that housed animals and outdoor supplies, according to officials. The entire building sustained significant smoke damage. Total damage is estimated at $100,000, with additional damage sustained to the store's to inventory.

Despite the damage, Normand said that the community is helping Sac's to recover.

"It was great to see the camaraderie of the employees, you know this is truly a family and community business," Normand said.

Two firefighters sustained heat-related injuries. Officials say one was transported to a local hospital by paramedics in good condition, and the other was treated and released on scene.

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